Category Archives: APTA News

Ethiopian Airlines several weeks ago officially completed a 86,000-square-meter terminal expansion at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport. With the capacity to serve 22 million passengers a year, Africa’s main transit hub is now home to the continent’s second largest capacity airport after South Africa’s O.R. Tambo International. But this is no ordinary terminal project: the $300…

Seychelles Updates Visitor Travel Advisory

The Seychelles Department of Tourism has reviewed its Visitor Travel Advisory following a proposal from the Tourism Taskforce to provide potential visitors with clear information. The new advisory offers clarity on the countries from which visitors may visit the Seychelles. The countries have been divided into two categories. Category one includes low- and medium-risk countries and category…

Brussels Airlines to Focus on Africa Expansion

Brussels Airlines has outlined plans to increase flights to African destinations over the coming months, as it looks to rebuild its network in the Covid-19 era. The carrier has long focused on its African network, and this winter 15 of its 16 planned long-haul routes will be to the continent, with the sole exception being…

How Tourism Can Lead COVID-19 Recovery in Africa

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio October 5, 2020

Around the world, countries are steadily shifting from responding to the Covid-19 pandemic to the recovery phase. And for many, tourism will play a key role here, not least due to its importance in job creation, supporting livelihoods and driving inclusive development. But tourism itself has been hit hard by this unprecedented crisis. During the…

Uganda Opens Borders to International Travelers

As of Oct.1, Uganda’s borders have reopened, and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) has resumed operations for international airlines following a six-month closure during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. All of Uganda’s national parks are open to international visitors as well. The reopening signals a return to business for Uganda’s tourism industry as international travelers…

Rhino Population Grows in Malawi

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio October 4, 2020

On World Rhino Day last week, African Parks were pleased to announce encouraging signs of a growing black rhino population as the nation re-emerges as a regionally significant conservation stronghold for this critically endangered species. Malawi is overseeing a resurgence of wildlife and its parks under progressive new conservation policies helping to restore its natural…

Elewana Update on Camps, Lodges & Hotels

APTA NewsBy Alia Bellamy October 2, 2020

With a number of overseas visitors starting to travel again, as global lock-down measures ease, and domestic tourism busier than expected in some areas, The Elewana Collection has opened a number of properties, allowing both domestic and international travellers to explore some of the many beautiful areas in both Kenya and Tanzania. The Elewana Collection…

Zimbabwe and Malawi Bolster Ties

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio October 2, 2020

Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa yesterday urged SADC countries to harness natural resources abundant in the region so as to improve the lives of their citizens through production and productivity. Speaking at a State banquet for the visiting Malawian President Lazarus Chikwera at the State House last night, the President traced the historical ties between Zimbabwe and Malawi…

United States Excluded from South Africa Reopening

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 30, 2020

South Africa’s borders will reopen on October 1 for international travel, except for leisure travellers from a group of countries classed ‘high risk’. In a media briefing today, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, explained that South Africa had used WHO guidelines to determine three categories of countries – high-, medium- and low-risk. Pandor…

SAA Finalizing Restructuring Process

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 30, 2020

The South African Department of Public Enterprises confirms that government will reprioritize funds to finalise the restructuring of South African Airways (SAA) and the implementation of the airline’s business rescue plan. An announcement to this effect will be announced in the Adjustments Appropriation Bill, which will be introduced in Parliament soon. The national carrier will…

Hideaways Supports the World Ranger Challenge

APTA NewsBy Amy Karlsen September 30, 2020

Wildlife as we know it, as well as the rangers who protect our wild spaces, are both at risk of becoming endangered. With the economic repercussions of Covid-19, salaries and funding for anti-poaching initiatives have dried up – along with sustainable solutions. With families of rangers destitute and animals helpless, the fire is fueled to…

Lemala Camps is Dancing!

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 29, 2020

Need a pick-me-up? Lemala Camps is Dancing across East Africa!

Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris Launches 2021 Southern Africa Guided Brochure

APTA NewsBy Glenn McKeag September 29, 2020

It is with the greatest of pleasure that we announce the release of our 2021 Guided Southern Africa Brochure! We want to guide you through Southern Africa, its many splendours and coveted experiential experiences. We offer a range of tours and overland tours that extend from 3 to 15 days, to suit every preference. Some…

The Guardians of Precious Fragments of South African Heritage

APTA NewsBy Cindy Sheedy-Walker September 27, 2020

The unprecedented nature of 2020 has deeply resonated with the need to cherish what we have and to value what makes our country exceptional. Extraordinary is proud to be the custodian of some of South Africa’s exquisite pieces of South African heritage. Whether it is contributing to the innovative conservation of the UNESCO Waterberg…

Ethiopian Airlines Expand Service to Newly Reopened Malawi Airports

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 23, 2020

Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s leading airlines and a popular choice for visitors to Malawi, are now expanding their services since the reopening of Malawi’s airports during the coronavirus pandemic. We announced last week that Ethiopian Airlines were offering one flight a week to Lilongwe, but can now confirm that this to be extended to a twice…

Baby Gorilla “Baby Boom” in Uganda

APTA NewsBy Phil Ward September 22, 2020

Entebbe, UGANDA, 17 September 2020 – Classic Africa Safaris is pleased to report that from 22 July 2020 there has been a significant ‘baby boom’ in Uganda. The gorilla families throughout Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks welcomed eight babies in less than three months! During Uganda’s border closure and suspension of tourism, the…

South Africa Establishes ‘Wildlife Zones’ for Rhino Protection

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 21, 2020

Seven integrated ‘wildlife zones’ will be introduced across South Africa to protect the endangered rhinoceros population. By demarcating areas primarily around rhino populations, both wildlife and people living in and around the conservation areas will be protected, said Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy. “By introducing a zoning approach, the necessary resources can be…

The Elewana Collection Receives (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp

APTA NewsBy Alia Bellamy September 21, 2020

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp, specifically designed to allow travellers to recognise governments and businesses around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols in order to experience ‘Safe Travels’. Kenya was awarded the WTTC Safe Travel Stamp in recognition…

Jenman Safaris Launches New Hidden Gems of Botswana Itinerary

APTA NewsBy Felicia Radberg September 21, 2020

We have talked about this since March now – redefining travel and travel choices. Jenman African Safaris has launched, together with their Facebook Live Series Safari Planning, a brand-new ‘hidden gem’ Botswana safari. From floating hides, horse rides, walking safaris and traditional mokoro canoes poised in anticipation of adventure – this 9-day safari summons guests to…

Seychelles Streamlines Arrivals

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 20, 2020

Seychelles has gone live with Travizory technology to facilitate the collection and analysis of traveller documentation to ensure the reopening of borders takes place safely. The new technology allows authorities to collect and identify health information directly from the traveller via easy-to-use web and mobile apps. The information is fed securely into a single system,…

Comair Gets ‘Back to Business’

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 20, 2020

Comair has taken the most significant step along the path towards getting ‘back to business’ and emerging from business rescue. On Friday September 18, a “vast majority” of creditors and shareholders voted to adopt the business rescue plan. In terms of the business rescue plan, the preferred investment consortium, comprising a number of former Comair board members…

WTM London Goes Entirely Virtual

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 20, 2020

WTM London will be entirely virtual this November. WTM Virtual will take place from November 9-11, offering delegates the chance to arrange one-on-one virtual meetings to do business, attend conference sessions and roundtables, take part in speed networking and more. There will be four virtual theatres to host webinars and debates. “Sadly, this year will…

Auric Air Resumes Flights to Ruaha National Park

APTA NewsBy Nurmohamed Hussein September 17, 2020

Auric Air resumes flights to Ruaha National Park from 31 August 2020 The Ruaha National Park with over 20,000 sq km, is Tanzania’s largest national park yet still remains under-visited as opposed to the other parks in northern Tanzania. This has built the park’s reputation where one can enjoy outstanding levels of wildlife and breath-taking…

Namibia Reverses Quarantine Policy

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 16, 2020

International tourists are no longer required to spend seven days at one facility in Namibia as per the amended health and safety protocols. This was announced by Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, who pointed out that the amended protocols now allowed tourists – intending to spend less than five days at a pre-booked…

Kenya’s Salt Lick Lodge Re-Launched

APTA NewsBy Kathryn Monaco September 16, 2020

For decades Salt Lick Safari Lodge has been one of Kenya’s flagship lodges and famous for being one of the World’s most photographed lodges. The Lodge has been recently re-launched and is a true safari escape, set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains. The charm is…

Mason’s Travel Offers PCR Testing Package in Seychelles

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 16, 2020

Mason’s Travel has announced a new bookable “PCR Testing Package” in Seychelles. The package is designed to ensure a smooth process for all guests once in-destination in need of PCR testing for COVID-19. The package allocates guests with an in-destination representative on arrival and includes facilitation of PCR testing on Mahe, Praslin or La Digue…

Seychelles Heritage Site Named Top Global Attraction

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 15, 2020

Seychelles’ Vallée de Mai has won a 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award as the island nation prepares to open borders on October 1. Based on traveller reviews throughout 2019, the Unesco World Heritage Site was placed in the top 10% of global attractions listed on TripAdvisor. Vallée de Mai is on Praslin and is home…

Zimbabwe Protects Elephants With Coal Ban in National Park

APTA NewsBy David DiGregorio September 14, 2020

Zimbabwe has banned mining in its national parks in response to protests after permits to explore for coal in one of the world’s premier elephant reserves were awarded to Chinese companies. The permits in the Hwange National Park were allegedly awarded without the requisite environmental permissions, according to a court case filed by the Zimbabwe…

Uganda Reopens Tourism Parks with Safety Restrictions in Place

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has permitted the resumption of economic activities in tourism parks which had been closed to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. The closure seriously impacted on the sector as players lost revenues in maintaining facilities that had no visitors and canceling scheduled trips, which forced them to lay off…

Zimbabwe to Open International Airports on October 1st

Zimbabwean cabinet has announced that domestic and international flights will resume on 10 September and 1 October respectively. All travellers will be required to have a PCR COVID-19 Clearance Certificate issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure. Zimbabwe’s borders are currently closed to all human traffic except for returning…

Kenya to Host Elephant-Naming Festival

Kenya will host the first annual Magical Kenya Elephant Naming Festival in August 2021. Kenya Tourism Board CEO, Dr Betty Radier, said the annual event would go a long way to support tourism and wildlife conservation efforts. She added that the festival had the potential to encourage more people to engage in conservation efforts. It also…

Botswana Tourism Sector Receives $1.4MM Funding Boost

Germany has donated €1.2 million to Botswana’s Ministry of Environment Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism. Minister Philda Kereng said the financial assistance would help to cushion the tourism industry, which has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Through the donation, Botswana will be able to subsidise wages for community-based organisations within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area,”…

Rwanda Announces Date for Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Rwanda’s 16th gorilla-naming ceremony will be held virtually on World Gorilla Day (September 24). The ceremony is modelled on a centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends called, ‘Kwita Izina’. This year, 24 young gorillas that call Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park home will be named by the park’s…

Uganda’s Entebbe Airport Likely to Reopen October 1st

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) issued a tentative schedule that will be followed as Entebbe International Airport starts accepting passenger flights. According to Eng. Sooma Ayub, the director of Airports and Aviation Security, the airport, which has been closed for about five months, will likely open on October 1. The director wrote to airline…

Egypt’s Future Sustainable Tourism Destinations

APTA NewsBy Kathryn Monaco September 9, 2020

2020 has been a year that forced us all to be more socially conscious. Every step, every move and every direction we take will ultimately have an effect on others’ lives. Not just in regards to health, as made obvious by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in all other sectors, particularly in tourism. The idea…

Salt Lick Safari Lodge New Website and Re-launch

Located within the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary the iconic (and one of the most photographed lodges in Africa) Salt Lick Lodge is undergoing a transformation! The owners have already regraded 200 kilometers of sanctuary roads and work continues. A large restoration project has been launched with the aim to support the biodiversity of the sanctuary.…

Malawi to Lift COVID-19 Air Travel, School Restrictions From September

Malawi will allow airlines and schools to resume operations from Sept. 1, as it seeks to limit the economic and social damage from its coronavirus lockdown, authorities said on Thursday. Schools and airports have been closed since March, when the government imposed a lockdown to try to contain the epidemic. Malawi has recorded 5474 cases…

The Blue Train is Back on Track

The Blue Train will resume services for private charters from September 1 and will operate a full schedule from November 1. During lockdown, The Blue Train has shared news regarding its new hygiene protocols to ensure the highest level of health and safety for guests and staff. “We are pleased to be opening up operations…

Ghana to Give 15 Minute COVID-19 Antigen Tests to All Arriving Passengers

As part of preparations towards the opening of the Kotoka International Airport for the resumption of international airline operations, arriving passengers will be required to take an Antigen test at any of the over 70 sampling collection booths set-up at the upper level of the Arrival Hall and results ready between 12-15 minutes. A state-of-the-art…

Emirates Returns to Lusaka

Emirates will resume its Lusaka service with two flights a week, starting September 4, according to a press release. Flights will operate on Fridays and Sundays using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK 713 will depart from Dubai at 08h20, arriving in Lusaka at 13h30. Return flight EK 714 departs Lusaka at 15h30, arriving in Dubai at…

Africa Showcase North America Opens to Buyer Registration

Africa Showcase North America registration for buyers is now open. This year’s event will be a virtual FAM trip. Suppliers are going to take you directly into their properties and experiences and share their special part of Africa with you. Meetings will work on the product rotation style that we know works so well for…

How Stellenbosch Got its Groove Back